motorcycle tires

We’ve done a fair amount of tire testing in the last couple of years, with Ted Edwards and Dave Wensveen logging thousands of miles across the western states. One unconventional option that we’ve never tried but still fuels debate in some circles is using automotive tires on motorcycles. While motorcycle tires are specifically designed for the unique demands of two-wheeled vehicles, some riders still think it’s worth exploring the possibility of installing car tires on their bikes. Most of us respond with, “Are you nuts?!” Yet we still occasionally meet riders who swear by them. So, let’s take a deep dive into the pros and cons of using automotive tires on motorcycles, and see where we can park this debate.

Dunlop Roadsmart IV vs Pirelli Angel GT- 2022 Results

by Ted Edwards | Nov 2, 2022 | Bikes & Gear | 39 |

The only way to scientifically compare the mileage of one motorcycle tire versus another and finally put the mileage question to rest forever is to completely control for every single variable: bike, rider, terrain, weight, speed, inflation pressure, etc..which is impossible for an average rider.
Unless you work for Road Dirt Motorcycle Media. Because we do those things.

Dunlop Mutant Tires- First Impressions

by Nathan Baron | Oct 7, 2022 | Bikes & Gear | 3 |

For the last 5 years, I’ve consistently ran Continental tires on my Kawi. Cheap, readily available, and they’ve never failed me. Don’t fix it if it isn’t broken right? While they worked fine on dry, city streets, I’d often wondered what it’d be like to have a more capable bike. But did I really need a new bike, or did I just need a different tire? Enter the Dunlop Mutant tires: designed for riders like myself that “brave the elements”. As a Midwesterner with a single bike and a desire to experience the world, versatility is a must. No matter what the road ahead looks like, I need to know “I can”. Fortunately for me, Dunlop gave Road Dirt and I the opportunity to see what their Mutant tires are all about and sent me a pair for my 2009 Kawasaki ER-6n 650 (the streetfighter variant of the parallel twin 650 Ninja).

Dunlop Roadsmart IV vs Pirelli Angel GT – Long Term Handling Observations

by Ted Edwards | Aug 1, 2022 | Bikes & Gear | 6 |

As I pushed wide into the oncoming lane of the right hand turn, two thoughts ran through my head. First, I am a better rider than this. Second, I was amazed that I needed this much bar pressure to steer Dave’s bike. Thousands of miles and countless curves had trained my muscle memory for my 5th generation Honda VFR800 and its Dunlop tires, so when I jumped on Dave Wensveen’s identical VFR and his Pirelli tires, I almost immediately ran wide on the tight right hand corner. I tried correcting my line. It was too late.

Dunlop-Pirelli Tires Wet Handling Shootout

by Ted Edwards | Jul 15, 2022 | Bikes & Gear, Ride Life | 2 |

Speeding up might have ended the misery sooner but that had its own perils. Adding high speeds to wet and cold conditions is a pure confidence move- confidence in your bike, your riding skills, but most of all, your tires. This fiasco was part of Road Dirt’s summer tire shootout.